Seasonal Well-Being for Children & Caregivers
12/1/2025
December brings excitement, disrupted routines, and sensory overload. Children feel the shift intensely, and adults often carry their own seasonal stress; deadlines, family dynamics, holiday demands, and fatigue. Because of this, co-regulation becomes essential. Small, intentional moments of connection help children stay grounded, feel safe, and move through the month with trust and confidence.
Seasonal well-being is about protecting predictable routines, softening sensory overwhelm, and using responsive interactions that support emotional safety.
Key Ideas for Classrooms and Families
Keep routines steady. Even with special events, children depend on predictable patterns to feel safe.
Name emotions openly. When adults identify their emotions (“I feel rushed and need a slow breath”), children learn how to do the same.
Lower sensory overload. Dim lights, reduce background noise, limit clutter, add quiet breaks.
Lean into co-regulation. Use a softer voice, slower pace, warm facial expressions, and close proximity.
Create emotional exits. Quiet corners, breathing cards, cozy spaces, and sensory tools help children reset.
See behavior as communication. Stress, excitement, fatigue, and transitions often show up through big behaviors in December.
References:
Center on the Developing Child. (2010). Building the Brain’s “Air Traffic Control” System. Harvard University.
Denham, S. A. (2006). Social-emotional competence in preschoolers. Early Education and Development.
Murray, D. W., & Rosanbalm, K. D. (2019). Foundations of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health. Center for Child & Family Policy.
Perry, B. D. (2006). Applying Principles of Neurodevelopment in Trauma-Informed Care.
ZERO TO THREE. (2016). Self-Regulation in the Early Years: Understanding and Supporting Development.
